click here to go back to press releases ....................... ..................
|
Press release Guyana Chronicle, 09th January, 2005
His
latest collection, a mixture of tropical, sexy and exotic attire,
firmly added a touch of Guyanese-ness to the fashion show, which
was part of cable channel Original Black Entertainment (OBETV) first
anniversary celebration. While
OBETV Chairman Bernard Ampaw reminisced about the beginning of the
station and thanked advertisers for their continued support, more
than 15 models were in a back dressing room getting ready to add
the style to the already exciting evening. Derek's
models were being made up with shimmering and earth tone colours.
Of course, he trusted no one to do it. That's why he did dress fittings
the night before. "Just
making sure everything looks good and everyone is happy with their
outfits and the make-up looks good," Derek managed between
applying power to a model's face and checking the evening's programme. Outside,
lights dimmed and a catchy track filled the large room. The style
segment kicked off with collections by OSAAM Designs and OSEI Designs.
The outfits by African designers Samuel Mensah and Jerry Osei Tutu
took the crowd's breath away. Not that any of the more than 150
specially invited swank guests couldn't have strutted along the
models' paths in the tastefully decorated convention centre as an
opening. But none was as brave as the chosen girls. It
was the designers' use of traditional African colours like green,
yellow and black, and prints with large and small shapes that was
absolutely magical. Both collections had a twist of European cuts
combined with African wraps. The high-heeled shod exquisite African
models moved around the room like queens out of Africa in long figure-hugging
dresses with trails and short cocktail strapless dresses. The detailed
duds brought an unmistakable richness of Africa to the evening. By
22:00 h, the programme was at its half way mark. Other forms of
entertainment came: traditional African dances to the beats of the
drums, and Caribbean music by Guyanese entertainer John 'Slingshot'
Drepaul. The crowd's lengthy applause said it all - they loved both. Then
it was Derek's turn to bring the curtains down on fashion and culture.
His models were all queens in their own right thanks to the support
of Miss Guyana World Franchise Holder Ken Chung and President of
Miss Tourism World and Miss Model of the World, John Singh. The
list read like a Queen of Queens pageant. From Miss Guyana World
Suzette Shim, Miss Guyana UK, Aulthea Fifee, and Miss Model of the
World 2003, Anzhelika Klypa of Russia, to Miss Tourism World 2003,
Romania Alina Ciorogariu, Miss Tourism World 2004, Miss Brazil,
Danubia Sousa, and Miss Model of the Universe 2003, Aneta Mizerh
of Poland. Moving
to a quick tempo, they strutted their stuff around the room elegantly.
The line-up started with truly exotic - bright colourful wraps twisted
in all directions paired with elegant pants - to funky loose tops
and cropped navel-baring tanks paired with skirts and also pants. But
it was the shimmering white sari-styled dress worn by Miss Guyana
World that stole the show. It was her Miss World Pageant evening
gown. "Everyone
loves this gown. It's so elegant and delicate that it captivates
everybody," Suzette said as she packed her accessories in the
dressing room after the show. She obviously heard some of the 'oooohhs'
and 'aaaahhs' as she glided between chairs and tables. "The
fashion show was great. Derek was a big hit from the first model
to the last. I must say, seeing some of my Miss World outfits on
some of the other models gave me a different feeling. They all looked
wonderful," she said. By
the way, every outfit was complemented by long strands of local
earth tones beads and funky short wraparound versions necklaces.
Derek
couldn't stop smiling. I caught up with him again after his final
walk. "I couldn't expect better. I'm getting compliments and
invitations from every direction," he said excitedly. Neatly
packing away some of his creations, he paused. "You cannot
stop fashion because people are always looking for something different
to wear. I like the fact that people here in London are very into
light materials and colours. Boy, you can do so much with light
materials from dresses to tops, you name it." More
pieces are packed away. A make-up bag is rummaged through by Miss
Russia and Model of the World 2003, Anzhelika Klypa. "I
loved his clothes. They all fit really nice and the colours... really
nice," was her contribution to the conversation. So,
"what next, Derek," I asked. "2005 has big things
in store for me. This is just the start - London. I already have
ideas buzzing in my head. Watch me for Mash in February. And with
the connections I've managed to make here, I plan to take advantage
of it all," he smiled. "I
loved the other designers' clothes. They showed just how many things
you can do with African prints," Derek, also the official designer
for the Miss Guyana World Pageant, said as he exited the dressing
room.
His fellow countryman, Slingshot, grinned. "I enjoyed every
moment of this evening. I'm very happy I was invited," he added. Back
in the convention centre, Miss Guyana World Franchise Holder Ken
Chung is answering questions about his designer. Fashionistas in
the crowd wanted to know where to contact Derek and other models
wanted to be called for his next London showing. They all recognised
he takes the pain to ensure a beautiful finish. "This
was a successful night for Derek. I'm very pleased with the response
he has gotten because Derek is very creative and deserves it all,"
Ken shared. "This is a great opportunity because we have recently
formed a partnership with OBETV and his fashion show will be seen
all over Europe and Africa over the next few months. That means
maximum exposure for Derek." Bringing
cultures together and highlighting positive aspects of Africans
and those of African ancestry worldwide are OBETV aims, the Sky
223 Chairman said in an earlier speech. Overall, the evening was
lovely. OBETV
Executive Direction Catherine Ampaw thanked everyone for attending
and then the floor was opened for the last dance of the night. One thing for sure, the three male designers of the night know exactly what a woman wants in the realm of fashion.
|
